NFL Draft Scouting Report: Marlon Humphrey

Alabama
Cornerback #26
RS Sophomore 6’1 200

Fast

Press coverage

Quick feet

Athletic

High football IQ

Great hip swivel

Great break on the ball

Loses 50/50 balls

Poor tackle technique

Marlon Humphrey played for Hoover High School in Hoover, Alabama, which is one of the most prestigious high school football programs in the country. A five star recruit and one of the top rated cornerbacks coming out of high school he chose in-state powerhouse Alabama over the likes of Auburn, Florida State, and Clemson among many others. He was red shirted his first year on campus. The next year he found himself in the starting lineup for what would end up being a National Championship winning defense. He earned Freshman All-SEC honors.

This past year Humphrey would be on everyone’s radar as one of the top play makers in the country and he did not disappoint. In the season opener against USC he picked off a pass and took it back to the house for six points. He again ended his season playing in the National Championship but Alabama came up short in the rematch with Clemson. He showed his talents as one of the top corners in the nation. He was a track star in high school and it translates very well to his position as he can keep up with receivers flying down the field. He always seems to be in good position when it comes to covering receivers but he doesn’t always make the play he needs to make on the 50/50 balls. He struggled against Clemson’s Mike Williams.

He performs really well in press coverage as his long arms and quick feet allow him to jam the opposing receiver at the line of scrimmage and then he has the speed to stay with them. There were a few times he had gotten beat by Auburn receiver Darius Slayton but other than that he didn’t get burnt. His football IQ is high as he can anticipate what routes will be coming and rarely bites on double moves. He breaks on the ball with veracity which is a result of his ability to recognize a play.

One knock on his game is his poor tackling technique in the open field. He has no problem with contact but his form needs work. He relies too much on trying to arm tackle the ball carrier and it all too often does not pan out for him. Bigger backs and receivers will simply break his tackle or carry him for a few extra yardage after the initial contact is made.

Overall Humphrey is one of the top prospects going into the 2017 NFL Draft and has the potential to be the first corner taken off of the board. He will be an instant starter at the next level and can contribute right away. He needs to perform well in ball drills at the combine to stake his claim as the best corner in this draft and he also needs to get coached up on the proper tackling techniques.

NFL Comparison: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Both corners have great speed and long arms to jam receivers but also lack in the run game at times. They both are great athletes that have the tools to make a great defensive back.